Indiana —
FFRF got involved after hearing that the East Noble School Corporation Board of Trustees in Indiana asked potential appointees to act in accordance with “the values of God” as part of its interview process.
FFRF learned that at the Aug. 20, 2025, meeting of the board of trustees, board members interviewed candidates for a vacant school board position. Reportedly, one of the questions asked of each prospective member was, “Will you do what is right in accordance of the values of God and do what he thinks is right even when you’re alone?” A candidate who said that she was not religious but had a strong moral compass was asked, “Where do you think that moral compass comes from?”
In a letter, FFRF Staff Attorney Madeline Ziegler reminded the district that it is unconstitutional to require prospective appointees to a government position to affirm their faith in any religion.
The board contacted outside legal counsel in order to steer them back in the right direction. “We received your letter regarding a religions test posed by a board member to a potential appointee,” legal representative Paul Bowman wrote. “We have advised the board against such practices.” Bowman additionally inquired about any literature FFRF could provide to act as an educational reference to help avoid further constitutional violations in the future.
